The man with the library in his backyard
October 1, 2020 in Uncategorized
John Nicholson lived in Lavender Hill, a rather poor suburb on the Cape Flats.
He lost his job at a furniture factory when the owners disappeared without paying their staff, so he took on freelance upholstery jobs.
John was a devout Christian and the need of the kids in his area bugged him. Alchohol abuse is rampant in their area; other forms of abuse too.
John and his wife Gail provided a safe space for kids in need. They began feeding the kids as well.
The project became a regular soup kitchen.
But, said John, what is the use of a full stomach when the head remains empty? So, in order to fill the minds, he began collecting books and started a library in his backyard.
In 2016 he was given an award by the ATKV for his work.
John passed away yesterday. It was a privilege to have known him.
Do read ths lovely article by Mandilakhe Tshwete in The Daily Voice.
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Vir ‘n baie deegliker bespreking oor John in Afrikaans, ook ‘n video waarin hy praat, klik hier vir die huldeblyk wat ek op LitNet geskryf het.
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